Beautiful Specimen Test Note produced by the Giori De la Rue Company of Switzerland ... a pioneer in Bank Note design and production! Plus, it's in PERFECT condition. It is called the "Queen of Spades" Test Note by other Test Note Collectors. It is a version of the "Pushkin Note" that I have featured here before. This note was produced in 1977 wen Russia was going to redesign the Ruble and order new printing equipment. Sadly, Russia had other pressing items and the redesign never took place. The only samples are what are called color trials (the one you have) and the Specimen note "The Queen of Spades" from De la Rue that have 'leaked out'. Because it is a Sample note there are no production numbers so it is unknown how many are out. Market prices and numbers seen for sale make it appear fairly scarce. It gets it's design from one of Alexander Pushkin's literary works called 'The Queen of Spades.' Its Technicolor design on the reverse side displays a complicated webbed grid of colors consisting of Pinks, Greens, Blues, Purples, etc... The vignette displays a beautifully dressed woman decorated with elegant clothes, wearing a crown and smelling a flower. It's motif is a wonderful rendition of "suits" commonly displayed on a deck of cards (spades, hearts, clubs and diamonds). It bears the denomination of "10". The 10 meaning 10 Rubles It also bears a numeral "31" which is likely the "series" of this test printing.This note has ALWAYS been one of my FAVORITES! ENJOY!!
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